Rational Living therapy avoids diagnosing clients according to the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders. The belief is that the diagnoses in the DSM only serve to label a series of behaviors and by doing so creates a negative perception in the client that they "have" or "suffer from" a "disorder" which leads to a feeling of hopelessness and therefore impedes positive change.

RLT doesn't adhere to the standard CBT emphasis on "self acceptance" and does not adhere to the common concepts of self-esteem and self-confidence instead utilizing what Pucci refers to as the "Four A's" and concentrating on rational self counseling and underlying assumptions the client may have. The belief is that by doing so the therapy takes on a deeper role leading to more long term behavioral change.

An optional component termed Rational Hypnotherapy is also utilized by some therapists. It is believed hypnotherapy serves as an addendum to the conventional talk aspects of the therapy speeding along and facilitating the process. RLT therapists are certified via taking additional training.[1][2]